The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

A haven in lovely Kyoto. The hotel looks calm and serene and most of the patrons look like they belong there. Lots of locals so it has that true Japanese feel. Funny but you feel lile you have to act calm yourself. Staff is extremely professional. Food is good and they have decent american options for lunch.

I stayed at this hotel from December 17 to 20 in 2024, and it is one of the best Ritz-Carlton properties I have ever experienced. I will definitely return. First, I want to express my gratitude to Yumi for assisting with the check-in process. She was incredibly attentive and thoughtful, arranging every detail perfectly and even giving me a warm, handwritten postcard. I also really enjoyed the convenience of checking in directly in the room. As a member, I was also upgraded to a room with a beautiful view of the Kamo River, which I absolutely loved. The hotel offers many activities as well. On December 20, I joined the cycling tour, and the guide, Neen, left a lasting impression on me. She took us to a local temple that isn’t usually frequented by tourists, where we enjoyed the season’s last autumn leaves. Although the tour was just an hour, her attention to detail and thoughtful planning touched me deeply. I even asked to take a photo with her, and she later printed the photo as a gift for us, along with a handwritten postcard as a keepsake. Overall, the service at this hotel is the best I’ve ever experienced among all Ritz-Carlton and Ritz hotels I’ve stayed at, even surpassing the Ritz in London. Additionally, I loved the hotel’s swimming pool, which had the perfect water temperature. The sauna and steam room with scenic windows were incredibly relaxing. The twice-daily room cleaning service was also very satisfying. If I must point out a downside, it would be the breakfast service. The staff repeatedly asked if we were finished, which made me feel as if they wanted us to leave quickly.

This property masterfully combines upscale amenities with a wonderfully approachable atmosphere. The staff's professionalism shines through in every interaction, yet they maintain a warmth that makes you feel completely at ease. The spaces are beautifully designed to encourage both relaxation and social interaction, while the rooms provide a perfect sanctuary after a long day. Every aspect of the stay exceeded expectations

From the efficient check-in to the reluctant checkout, every moment was picture-perfect. The property maintains an ideal balance between luxury and comfort. The staff's professionalism is matched only by their genuine friendliness. The attention to cleanliness is impressive, and the overall atmosphere manages to be both sophisticated and welcoming. A truly memorable stay that sets the stan

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto consistently delivers an outstanding experience, and this time was no exception. This visit was particularly special since it was the first time I brought my parents, kids, and the whole family. While I’ve stayed here before, this trip stood out because of how the staff went above and beyond to make everything seamless and enjoyable. I’d like to specifically thank Tsutomu Hibino, the Front Desk Manager, Takanao Usui, the Assistant Director of Food and Beverage, and Nakayama, the Service Manager. They took care of everything with such professionalism and warmth that it made a real difference. I even had an issue with a Kyoto independent taxi—anyone familiar with their reputation knows how difficult they can be—but the staff stepped in and handled it flawlessly, saving me a lot of frustration. The dining is always a highlight here. My personal favorite is Tempura Mizuki, the Michelin-starred restaurant run by Chef Kojima. The seasonal tempura dishes are always light and perfectly balanced, and their selection of nihonshu, especially Juyondai sake, is fantastic. For breakfast, I highly recommend the Pierre Hermé toast from the American menu. That said, I was disappointed to see they no longer serve the Wabisuke-brand egg 卵かけご飯 in the Japanese breakfast—it used to be a standout. The facilities are another reason I keep coming back. The dry sauna is great and stays open until 10 p.m., though I wish the wet sauna had a timer, and a cold plunge would be a nice addition. The 24-hour gym is incredibly convenient, especially if you have a tight schedule. The pool is family-friendly too—kids aged 4 and up can use it, which is a huge plus for families like mine. What really makes this hotel special, though, is the staff. They’re not just professional—they’re proactive and solution-focused, always looking for ways to make things better. It’s the little things, like delivering an ice bucket in under three minutes or reaching out ahead of my next stay tomorrow (just a short business trip), that make me feel genuinely appreciated. They truly live up to the Ritz-Carlton motto, “Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.” Finally, one detail that sets the Kyoto property apart is its respect for local traditions. For example, staff will pause and wait for guests to pass, even if they’re just walking through the hallways. It’s such a small gesture, but it reflects Kyoto’s unique sense of hospitality and adds to the overall charm. I’m already looking forward to my next visit tomorrow, even if it’s just a quick business trip. This hotel never disappoints, and I’m sure it won’t this time either.